On the longest, darkest night of the year

a noble deer appears

at the northern edge

of the starless sky,

her antlers branched

like the brown limbs

of brooding oaks.

Through winter’s frozen curtain

shines a pale light

and then another

and another growing brighter

as Mother Deer carries aloft

the life of the new sun

like candles on the tree of life.

Watch as she flies over the sleeping houses

leaving the gift of warmth,

the blessings of light,

the promise of the sun’s return.

Solstice, 2016